On Saturday I joined in on a day trip to Antwerp, one of Belgium's larger cities. Antwerp is mostly known worldwide for it's diamond trade and aptly named "diamond district". Unfortunately, I left diamondless. Most notable to me, personally, about Antwerp is it's beautifully unique contrast between urban and historical architecture. The city feels modern yet old with intertwining cobblestone and concrete.
The train from Leuven to Antwerp took only an hour - made shorter by adorable countryside views.
Once in Antwerp, we met with our tour guide (who looked like the male Carmen Sandiego). Antwerp Central Station itself was a sight. Our guide gave us so much interesting information at every stop, but I'll just list a few of the "coolest" tidbits that I can recall.
The train from Leuven to Antwerp took only an hour - made shorter by adorable countryside views.
Once in Antwerp, we met with our tour guide (who looked like the male Carmen Sandiego). Antwerp Central Station itself was a sight. Our guide gave us so much interesting information at every stop, but I'll just list a few of the "coolest" tidbits that I can recall.
The upper floors of this station used to house platforms and tracks, but are now just for walking and enjoying. As time went on, the city added platforms by moving underground.
There are slabs of a red stone (which I forget the exact name of) used in Antwerp's station that are the same as those used in the Palace of Versailles.
For some reason, when Antwerp's station was built, the locals were so unhappy about the location that they called it a "camel" - which means big mistake - and no grand opening was held. If a celebration had been organized, either no one would've shown up or there would've been angry riots.
The next point of interest we passed through was actually a mall. However, this mall had gold detailing and looked more like a palace than a place to shop for new jeans and pick up a frozen yogurt.
Next on the agenda was a building with pretty impressive tenant history. Napoleon restored this estate, but never actually slept there (even for one night). The Dutch King was next to move in, followed by the Belgian King. Today, this building is home to both a chocolate shop and cafe/bakery.
Below is a photo of the oldest printing press that is still around today (not the older EVER, but the oldest still standing).
Another quick stop along the way was the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where students from all over the world come to study fashion design; they even learn Dutch solely for the ability to apply and be granted admission.
Sorry about the major glare and reflection - it was one glassy room.
Fun fact: Michelle Obama has worn two outfits custom designed by an alumnus of this school.
According to folklore, Antwerp's name originated from the words hand werpen - translating into "hand" and "to throw". In Dutch, Antwerp = Antwerpen. The reason for this name comes from an old tale about a giant being killed; then having his hand cut off and thrown into the river. In front of Antwerp's town hall there's a statue of Silvius Brabo, the hero, throwing the giant's hand.
The final highlight of the day comes from Antwerp's MAS Museum. Admission is free for people who wish to walk to the top for panoramic views of the city. MAS was very modern, a nice contrast to more historical sites such as the town hall.
Not much more can be said in detail about my day trip to Antwerp, other than saying that there is much more to see; I will definitely have to visit again. Enjoy some more of my favourite pictures from around the city :)
Some Tin Tin style illustrations. I love finding wall art like this in older cities.
To top off the day I, of course, stopped for a fresh waffle before boarding the train to Leuven.
- Alexandra
